July 17, 2009

Decorating Tips: How To Choose Bright Colors

What can we learn from this small cluster of pink geraniums that sat in my kitchen yesterday giving me the opportunity to ponder the color pink all day long? First of all, you don't need a huge bouquet of flowers to bring the beauty of nature indoors, sometimes just a simple bloom in a shot-glass vase can be just the right touch!

Secondly and more importantly, if we look around at all the accidental and purposeful juxtapositions of color that exist in the world (and even in your tiny corner of the world) we can use that information when making color choices for our homes. Are you still with me? (In case you've been caught by surprise, this blog is among other things a visual training course, isn't that wonderful?)

For example, you're not sure what color bedding to buy for your daughter's room. By looking at the flower photos above we can deduce two things:

A strong or bright color when set against white gives a clean, crisp look, and enables one to enjoy the qualities of that color to its fullest, though the overall look can border on austere or cold.

Bright colors used together create a festive colorful environment, like a field of spring flowers. The colors play off one another, so the feeling is not necessarily soothing and restful but could be very welcoming.

What does this mean for your daughter's bedroom? If she would like a private retreat, something soothing and calming yet upbeat and modern at the same time, go for all white bedding with bright pink pillows. If she wants to create a happy place to entertain her friends and siblings then go for a swathe of color, mix and match colorful pillows, sheets and blankets (or duvet covers). This same principle can be applied to choosing pillows for your couch as well!

How's that for a quick decorating lesson on a very busy Friday morning? Shabbat Shalom/Good Shabbos and have a great weekend!

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Decorating Tips: How To Choose Bright Colors

What can we learn from this small cluster of pink geraniums that sat in my kitchen yesterday giving me the opportunity to ponder the color pink all day long? First of all, you don't need a huge bouquet of flowers to bring the beauty of nature indoors, sometimes just a simple bloom in a shot-glass vase can be just the right touch!

Secondly and more importantly, if we look around at all the accidental and purposeful juxtapositions of color that exist in the world (and even in your tiny corner of the world) we can use that information when making color choices for our homes. Are you still with me? (In case you've been caught by surprise, this blog is among other things a visual training course, isn't that wonderful?)

For example, you're not sure what color bedding to buy for your daughter's room. By looking at the flower photos above we can deduce two things:

A strong or bright color when set against white gives a clean, crisp look, and enables one to enjoy the qualities of that color to its fullest, though the overall look can border on austere or cold.

Bright colors used together create a festive colorful environment, like a field of spring flowers. The colors play off one another, so the feeling is not necessarily soothing and restful but could be very welcoming.

What does this mean for your daughter's bedroom? If she would like a private retreat, something soothing and calming yet upbeat and modern at the same time, go for all white bedding with bright pink pillows. If she wants to create a happy place to entertain her friends and siblings then go for a swathe of color, mix and match colorful pillows, sheets and blankets (or duvet covers). This same principle can be applied to choosing pillows for your couch as well!

How's that for a quick decorating lesson on a very busy Friday morning? Shabbat Shalom/Good Shabbos and have a great weekend!